Which lipoprotein primarily delivers cholesterol to peripheral tissues?

• A. LDL
• B. HDL
• C. VLDL
• D. Chylomicrons

Answer: (A)

Low-density lipoprotein is the primary vehicle that delivers cholesterol to peripheral tissues. It carries cholesterol esters from the liver through the bloodstream and delivers them to cells via LDL receptors on the cell surface. Once bound, the cell takes up the cholesterol for membrane synthesis, steroid hormones, and other needs. This uptake is the main way cells obtain cholesterol from circulation. In contrast, HDL is involved in reverse cholesterol transport, pulling cholesterol from tissues back to the liver. Chylomicrons and VLDL mainly transport triglycerides to tissues, with remnants eventually becoming LDL, linking their processing to the cholesterol-carrying role of LDL. So the lipoprotein most responsible for delivering cholesterol to peripheral tissues is the LDL particle.